When it comes to getting and staying organized, every home has its trouble spots. But, don't fret. Getting these areas organized, and keeping them that way, may be easier than you think. Here are 5 of those typical trouble spots, along with simple solutions for each.

1. Outerwear everywhere. Why do hats, gloves, scarves, coats and other outerwear often get tossed on top of sofas or chairs? One of the main reasons is that there's no designated storage area for these items. You may say that the closet should serve this purpose, but can your closet effectively do the job?

First, be sure your coat closet isn't stuffed to the max. When a closet is stuffed, one may find it easier to just toss his coat or jacket over a chair. Go through all the outerwear and be sure everything you have is worn regularly. If it isn't, it may be time to donate that item to someone who can get better use of it.

Have enough hangers in the closet--one hanger per item. It's not efficient or effective to hang a jacket over another jacket. While you're at it, be sure the hangers are the durable ones. Weak wire hangers or thin plastic hangers are ineffective.

Install hooks or pegs along the closet wall, or another wall if you're pressed for closet space, for items like hats, scarves, backpacks, dog leashes and umbrellas.

Place small items, like mittens or gloves, in tote bags. Hang them on hangers-- one bag per family member (preferably each person's tote in a different color for easy identification.)

2. Laundry overflowing in the laundry room. Don't wait too long to do a load of wash. Clothes, towels and bed sheets have a tendency to pile up within a day or two. It is recommended that you do a load of clothes each day, or every two days, to keep it under control.

Dirty clothes in piles on the floor? Corral them with a laundry sorter from the start, and you won't have to spend time separating them. Instruct anyone else in your home to put all clothes needing to be washed, right in the laundry sorter. Make it a rule that any clothes not in the laundry sorter, don't get washed.

Give each family member their own clothes basket. When their clothes are done, put them in each person's clothes basket, and instruct that family member to do a pick-up. Each family member, over the age of six should be able to put his or her own clean clothes away.

3. Toys all over the floor. Every toy needs a home. Install shelves so youngsters have a place to store their treasures. Be sure shelves are low enough for children to reach, so they have the ability to return their toys when they're done playing. Or use a toy box with compartments.

Install hooks for jump ropes. Use clean trash cans for baseball bats and hockey sticks, or how about a large wire basket for basketballs and soccer balls?

4. Papers and mail covering the table. Deal with paper every single day, before it turns into a paper monster. When it comes to paper and mail, every home should be run like an organized office. Perhaps institute a home in-box, where initially, all papers and mail get placed on a daily basis.

Then, once a day, sort mail, putting bills into a bill tray, papers that need to be referenced in the future into your filing system, papers that need to be distributed to other family members in a mail basket or file designated for that person, and of course, papers that are trash should be immediately placed in the recycle bin.

Papers requiring quick further action should be handled immediately. For instance, school permission slips can be quickly signed and given back to your child. Papers requiring more in depth reading or study, should be placed in an action folder or Tickler file.

5. Kitchen storage areas stuffed to the brim. Pop corn poppers, bread machines, juicers, ice cream makers, and other novelty appliances are great, IF you use them regularly. If you don't, they're just taking up precious space. Donate appliances you never use.

Only keep enough storage containers for what you typically store. There's no need to have 30 whipped cream containers and 17 margarine tubs if you never use them. Determine how many you realistically use, and toss the rest. If you have Rubbermaid or Tupperware containers you don't use, give them away to a friend or donate them to The Salvation Army.

How many sets of dishes, silverware or glasses do you have? If you entertain frequently and you need 25 glasses, fine. But if you have a family of four and rarely have more than six people over at a time, having tons of glasses is probably overkill.

Keep plastic, foil and other wraps organized, in plastic containers, and keep them together--this way, you won't spend money buying stuff you already have.

Hang hooks under cabinets for tea cups and mugs. This can free up a bunch of space in your cabinets.

Just a very quick shout out to let you know that my latest issue of Anything and Everything is now available. It's the DECEMBER 2021 issue, 12-pages and all in full color. I know you're going to love it. Check it out:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

If you don't already receive it, it's a great time to get your hands on a full year of Anything and Everything because, when you do, we're giving away 10 Bonuses, AND ALL of the back issues...complimentary!

Here are the topics in the DECEMBER Issue...

Positive Changes Require Action
Thinking about making changes is not the same as actually making them. Action is key for accomplishing change

I Can See Clearly Now
It's easy to take our eyes for granted and to put off measures to keep them healthy. Here are 13 ways to take care of our eyes and vision

The Beauty of Art Journaling
This form of self-expression allows your creative side to shine through

Organize Your Handbag
An organized purse makes life easier when you're on-the-go

Top 10 Winter Must-Dos
Do these for an organized, prepared, stress-free winter

Making Social Media a Positive Part of Your Life
5 ways to ensure you're using social media for positivity and connectedness

Quick, Creamy Tomato Soup
This recipe has only 5 ingredients and is on the table in less than 30 minutes

Spotting Fads
Fads can drain your wallet and add to your clutter

2022 Countdown
Put your best foot forward as you step into the new year

If you don't already subscribe to my 'Anything and Everything' resource, you can learn about how to do so here:

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We have thousands of readers who LOVE it...and I'm certain you will too!

Maria

P.S. BONUS SPECIAL...Only Until 11:59 p.m. on DECEMBER 3: When you sign up for your Anything and Everything Subscription, you will receive tons of bonuses, plus ALL the BACK ISSUES COMPLIMENTARY!

___ 1. Do today's task on my December Monthly Organizing Checklist. The December 1 TO DO focuses on Christmas TO DOs. Visit GetOrganizedNow.com to access my December Monthly Organizing Checklist.

___ 2. Weed out some items in your kitchen. By cutting kitchen clutter, you'll have more space for your kitchen essentials.

___ 3. Check out my December Challenges. I just published my organizing theme, and my 3 mini Organizing and Life Challenges based on that theme. Visit: GetOrganizedNow.com to access them.

'No one knows the origins of their metal coat hangers.' (Peter Kay)

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